Every now and then, someone has a go at me.
They see my name badge, or clerical collar. I wear this on campus because strangers do not know my name but know what the dress code is representing, I trust – that God is around. (Amazing grace. “May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in him, [comma] so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”). And this is not chit-chat. It is a probing and critical dialogue that questions my life-foundation; sometimes done in a way, and with a misguided passion, that can seem quite personal. One such usually starts with an opening jab.
I have grown to anticipate the conversation. Sometimes there is only a sentence or two – his remark and my reply. Sometimes I have cycled off, thought, and turned round to find him with a follow-up: “You said this… the reason I say that is ….”. Sometimes there is longer discussion. I try and never let the chat end with a full stop, to leave the subject hanging – say with a colon, or question. “If you look at all the evidence (scripture, tradition, reason and experience…) why you don’t believe? I cannot understand it.”
1 Peter 3: 15 inspires:
“In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
I have written to him today, and said:
Today's verses prompt me to write:
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles,
And the judgments he pronounced…
When he/she came near, Jesus asked him/her, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord I want to see,” he/she replied.
Jesus said to him/her, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” (Ps 105: 4-5, Luke 18: 42 inclusive)
Dear Lord, people are looking. Help them to see…
Thank you for recommending the book. An amusing fictional fantasy..., trying to capture our neuroses. I have a book for you too, next time you are on campus. An account by an academic theologian (Oxford - History)... To quote the forward ...in reply to someone saying to us, "Oh, this religion is not for me", we will be able to say "Oh really, why not? There is so much evidence"
The book is “Gospel of Fulfilment – Exploring the Gospel of Matthew”, by Patrick Whitworth (ISBN 978-1-78959-044-9).
And I teach this verse:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, [comma] so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15: 13)
The comma is a crucial word to teach (and say out loud as we learn). We are meant to overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is one way that God reaches others through us. Often, please God, we are not aware of this…
So be encouraged.
Nigel
Respond
